Some car accidents result in injuries while others may result in death. Following a fatal car accident, wrongful death legal protections may be able to protect family members of victims and help them with the damages they have suffered.

Wrongful death legal protections

A wrongful death legal claim can be brought in Virginia by the personal representative of the lost loved one’s estate for the benefit of surviving family members. A wrongful death claim is brought against the negligent party, such as a negligent driver, responsible for causing the fatal car accident or other type of accident that resulted in a fatality. Wrongful death claims are designed to help surviving family members when their loved one has been wrongfully killed.

Damages that may be recoverable in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for loss of support and services from the loved one; loss of consortium; lost prospect of inheritance and lost future wages; medical expenses for the loved one prior to their death; and funeral expenses. Wrongful death damages are intended to help, as much as possible, with the financial and emotional harm family members suffer after the unexpected loss of their loved one.

A wrongful death claim for damages is a type of personal injury claim that can help surviving family members of victims wrongfully killed in a car accident or another kind of accident when negligence is involved. Family members can be left struggling with many challenges with little warning following a fatal car accident which is why they should be familiar with wrongful death legal options.